T6 Van and conversion pricing

[Neal_C]

Hi all, new to this forum.

welcome any advice. Been looking at getting a T6 camper for a number of years - lockdown has put a number of things into perspective so decided to bite the bullet and go for it - much similar to everyone else.

As we have been looking for some time it now feels like everything has rocketed up in price - is this just me or is it a sign of the times given the unprecedented demand ? Every dealer we have spoken to has sold everything and can’t keep up with enquiries etc.

looking at all options but preference is buying a van seperate and then sending to a converter

It’s unlikely now we’ll get everything in place to use before summer is out so thinking of holding off till next year when everything has calmed down.

Any input / advice etc etc appreciated

Thanks

 

[$immo]

Hi all, new to this forum.

welcome any advice. Been looking at getting a T6 camper for a number of years - lockdown has put a number of things into perspective so decided to bite the bullet and go for it - much similar to everyone else.

As we have been looking for some time it now feels like everything has rocketed up in price - is this just me or is it a sign of the times given the unprecedented demand ? Every dealer we have spoken to has sold everything and can’t keep up with enquiries etc.

looking at all options but preference is buying a van seperate and then sending to a converter

It’s unlikely now we’ll get everything in place to use before summer is out so thinking of holding off till next year when everything has calmed down.

Any input / advice etc etc appreciated

Thanks

Hi
Even in "normal" times thinking that you can buy a van and walk into a converters in late July expecting to a fully converted Camper before the end of the summer is very optimistic

You will find the journey to find a decent base vehicle hard enough, let alone a converter who is not booked up for the next 6 months. Historically you would seek to get the conversion booked in for winter with an early spring completion ready to use for the summer season. I would aim for that timescale unless you want to buy one completed on a forecourt or go California route to use this year.

Best of luck and use the search button on this forum for loads of advice.

 

[JasonW]

Do your research and take the time to get the base vehicle right...

 

[Urbanfox]

I would do what you said in your last sentance, hang fire now and keep your options open. I have had my van 12 mnths, used it quite a few times last year but have yet to get out for an overnighter. I am now in a delima as to exchange mine for a Motorhome, more room.

 

[ThreeBridgeT6]

Hi Neil, and welcome! You've come to the right place for advice - loads of it in here and it's all free.... Trouble is, the van and the accoutriments aren't, and once you start, you can't stop! Depending on your budget (think of a number then double it - and you'll be about half way there!) - the world's your lobster! My advice for what it's worth (I haven't even got my van yet!) - is to start with a list of the things that you feel you must have from the point of view of the vehicle itself, and I'll help you here - LED HEADLIGHTS! You'll find no end of posts on here about how useless the standard H4 units are, and the trouble people go to change them. After that, it's up to you, but get the base van right and then consider what you want for your conversion. Mine should be ready next week if all goes to plan, and I've thrown everything at it. Whilst it is costing me four times what I paid for my first house back in 1981 oops:!), I'm of a similar mindset to you. I lost my brother to Covid and was ill for weeks myself, fearing I was going to 'do a Boris', so now I've decided that I'm going to live whilst I can and make memories with the family.

Several people have posted an account of their journey from deciding they want a camper, through researching vans and conversion companies, through taking delivery of their baby @czmate1999 is one of these and he used the same company as me. Have a look for his posts and you'll also find a summary of my journey there too.

There was a nice conversion on offer here yesterday if you want to buy something that's oven ready. It's worth joining the forum - the outlay I miniscule compared to what you're about to spend! - and you can then access the for sale and wanted part.

Good luck!

 

[boxelder]

In your place, I'd be tempted to hire a couple if you can over 'summer' and then buy and convert over winter when prices and demand stabilises and you've a better idea of what does and doesn't work for you?

 

[Neal_C]

Hi All, that’s really useful, thank you.

I fully appreciate getting anything converted before summer would be a pipe dream. Been quoted Christmas as it stands !

It just feels everything has gone up in price recently so was tempted to hold fire for a few months. Circa £40k+ for anything near new is not a cheap outlay and a fool and his money are soon parted, as the saying goes.

I’ll read up on the suggestions and see what direction it takes us. Already have a fair idea about base van and conversion type so hopefully it isn’t too long before we are up and running.

Thanks for the responses

 

[James1000]

Knowing how demand for staycations is through the roof this year already, now with Spain being cancelled, where do you think people will be betting on next year for guaranteed holiday? My guess is more staycations more camper conversions etc. Get booked in now then go van hunting, I was on conversion list for 6 months 5 of which was without a van but I searched everyday!! Good luck. Plan and you’ll be fine.

 

[topcat203]

We have had our van now for 2 years (I purchased the van and then had the conversion done) however I would strongly urge you too as someone else has suggested to rent a couple first to make sure its right for you! We hired 2 VW conversions and the first one told us a lot about what we did not want! the second one was so good (for us) that we got them to convert our van for us. We also haunted our local dealers and went to shows alot! The conversion is a very personal thing and you have to live with it so be cautious and take your time. Good luck with your search!

 

[blue32a]

Good luck with this! Hiring one is a good shout, I was in a similar position thinking of getting a van and then being converted, In the end I went for a van from a converters who fitted some extras in the deal (solar, awning, bike rack+upgraded tailgate struts). I think for me and the spec I wanted this was better value (and quicker) than getting a van and then having the conversion and extras fitted, for the same money if I'd gone down the van conversion route I would have started with an older/higher milage/lower spec van. All conversions are different and everyone has different needs and priorities - for me I wanted DSG and compressor fridge, heater + awning together with the classic side cabinet layout + pop top. Ask around, there's also plenty of van walkarounds on youtube, also worth asking people what they would do different/what extra they wish they had got! Good luck, let us know how you get on...

 

[The Swiftys]

I would do what you said in your last sentance, hang fire now and keep your options open. I have had my van 12 mnths, used it quite a few times last year but have yet to get out for an overnighter. I am now in a delima as to exchange mine for a Motorhome, more room.

Problem solved...sell him your van!!

 

[WanderingCouple]

I thought I was being clever by looking early but in the end it took me 4 months to find what I wanted. Anything on sale privately has been inflated price wise and is not always the quality you might expect. Dealers are empty but if you persist and keep looking you will find some options.
I had regular contact with a couple of places and one well known camper dealer rang me and said that he had a van sold to him by the people he had sold the conversion to new 2 years previously and I could view it that day or the next before he got round to advertising it online.
It was a Camper King Monte Carlo on a T6, ‘66 plate in Acapulco Blue and was immaculate, even prior to the valet. By the time I had added solar panels and a bike rack and a few other mods the price had risen but in the end was exactly what we were after and was still in budget. We are delighted with our purchase and are heading off to Scotland next week for a few nights away.
Persistence does pay off!!!
Good luck with your search.